The British Army's Military Engineers

Corps of Royal Engineers

Royal Engineer soldiers are called Sappers

Sappers are unique, motivated and intelligent. We are multi-skilled soldiers, combat engineers and tradesmen. We provide essential support to all areas of the British Army in peacetime and on operations.

Facts & Figures

Formed on

26 May 1716

Role

Combat Support

Specialism

Engineering

Our skills

Few careers can match the diversity, training and experiences the Corps of Royal Engineers can offer. No matter which path you take, officer, soldier, Regular or Reserve, you will become confident in your role, with the opportunity to gain civilian recognised qualifications.

Tradesman

Plant operator

Bomb disposal/search

Communication specialist

Logistic specialist

Royal Engineer diver

Parachute engineer

Commando Royal Engineer

Deployments

Current Deployments

South Sudan - Operation Trenton

Due to civil war in the country, we are providing support to military and civilians in need of engineering expertise.

Falkland Islands - Project Anemoi

We continue to support construction projects on the island.

Previous Deployments

Afghanistan - Operation Herrick

Iraq - Operation Telic

Our People

You will quickly learn the skills required to become a junior leader and gain promotion.

We have quality Sapper officers, that inspire and lead from the front.

Sapper Robertson Carpenter 39 Engineer Regiment

Lance Corporal Nishan Bricklayer 36 Engineer Regiment

Lance Corporal Lopez Structural Finisher 35 Engineer Regiment

Our Location

The Corps of Royal Engineers comprises of Regular and Reserve units, located around the United Kingdom. Our Corps' home is situated with 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment in Chatham, Kent. As a trainee Sapper, this is where you will conduct your trade training.

Year of Engineering

The Year of Engineering is a government campaign, which celebrates the wonder of engineering.

We showcased our engineering expertise and opportunities when we launched our Year of Engineering campaign at the Royal School of Military Engineering in Surrey.

Groups experienced our bridging capabilities, requiring them to design and construct a military bridge across a gap. Additionally, they got up close and personal with our cutting-edge bomb disposal robot, which apparently reminded them of something from the latest sci-fi film.

I have a sense of pride and worth as a Sapper
Corporal Gregan - Corps of Royal Engineers

Corporal Gregan is trained in Bomb Disposal/Search and is proud to have served his country on Operations around the world.

As a potential Sapper, you will complete basic training. You will learn the skills required to become a robust and confident soldier.

You will complete combat engineer training, which will give you the engineering knowledge required to use speed boats, handle explosives, build bridges, purify water, build fortifications and many other exciting tasks.

As a Sapper you will gain a trade, with the opportunity to gain civilian recognised qualifications.

I'm proud to be the first female Armoured Engineer
Lance Corporal Victoria - Corps of Royal Engineers

Lance Corporal Victoria joined the Army in 2013 and trained to be an Armoured Engineer. She drives two different types of armoured vehicles, spends time with the Army Youth Outreach Team and is an accomplished horse rider.

Male or Female, as a potential Sapper you will be treated fairly and with respect throughout your career in the Corps of Royal Engineers.

There are a number of specialised trades in the Corps of Royal Engineers including Bomb Disposal/Search, Armoured Engineer, Parachute Engineer, Commando Royal Engineer and Royal Engineer Diver to name a few.

If the Corps of Royal Engineers sounds appealing, please use the link below to enquire.

Monthly Trade Focus

Are you a bright spark?
@CorpsOfRoyalEngineers

Fabricator

Our Corps of Royal Engineer fabricators are capable of shaping metal by forging, bending and joining. They can fabricate and repair low and medium-carbon steel components. Further skills include welding, metal cutting, filing, grinding, drilling and threading.

You will have the opportunity to complete a C&G Level 2 Apprenticeship in Fabrication and Welding, NVQ Technical Certificate, Functional Skills and Level 3 NVQ in Fabrication and Welding Engineering (Manual Welding).

History of the Corps

The Corps of Engineers was formed in 1716, consisting of only 28 officers. After expansion and many expeditions around the world, the Corps of Royal Engineers was formally established in 1856, consisting of both officers and non-commissioned ranks.

1875

Royal Engineers Army Football Club win the FA Cup

1879

The famous defence of Rourke's Drift during the Zulu War takes place

1916

Strategic tunneling operations assist First World War efforts

1945

Essential engineer operations contributed to Allied success in the Second World War

2010

Corporal J Bedford MC receives a bravery medal for his efforts in Afghanistan

2016

The Corps celebrates 300 years of successful military engineering around the world

An engineer squadron has been revived and celebrated its past on operations in Burma during the Second World War, its present home in Suffolk and its future supporting the British Army’s airborne rapid reaction force.